The ninth edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan’s premier domestic event, is set to begin from August 12 at the Kabul Cricket Stadium. Five regional teams will compete in a double round-robin format in the tournament.

The tournament begins with the opening fixture between the defending champions Speenghar Tigers and the Band-e-Amir Dragons on August 12. The other three teams, Amo Region, Mis-e-Ainak Region, and Bost Region, will also compete for the title, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement.

A total of 21 matches will be played over 14 days, featuring 10 double headers, and the tournament will conclude with final between the top two teams on August 25.

“The Shpageeza Cricket League has become a crucial platform for the emergence of talent, and has significantly contributed to the growth of Afghanistan cricket,” ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said. “We understand the importance of this event and are committed to its success through meticulous planning and execution.”

The league was inaugurated in 2013 when T20 cricket was on a rapid rise on the global stage. The league has seen the Speenghar Tigers crowned champions three times, while the Mis-e-Ainak Knights and Kabul Eagles have each won the title twice. The Mis-e-Ainak Knights have made it to the finals for five times. The Band-e-Amir Dragons, led by Rashid Khan, won the title in 2017 and remain the only team with a single championship win.

As a significant part of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket structure, the Shpageeza Cricket League 2024 will play a crucial role in the country’s cricket growth, ACB said.